The debate over charter schools around the United States originated in the early 90’s. The issue has popped back up in Massachusetts this election cycle. A ballot question for voters will be to decide if they should expand current charter school enrollment, and allow for 12 new or expanded charter schools to open per year. The charter school debate is red hot!
The primary focus of the ongoing debate is whether or not charter schools are “innovators in education” as was the original intent. Massachusetts currently has 78 Charter schools in the state. Some of these have done quite well, mentors and are leaders in the charter school field nationally.
Match Charter school in Boston has received national recognition for having a top rated tutoring program. Recent college graduate mentors and tutors to small groups of students. Many of these grads have found a love for tutoring. The program has been picked up by other schools in the country. The Match Charter school has now created its own graduate school of education.
Charter schools were initially created to be “innovators” able to operate outside of the realm of conventional public schools systems. When looking at Charter schools as a whole, the idea of innovation has been questioned by some critics who are doubting schools’ claims. However, many charter schools would rather ensure that the students attending their schools receive a quality education instead. In the end, this philosophy should be the main objective in all schools.
Proponents of charter schools argue that traditional schools are innovators, as well.One quality that charter schools are known for is their “extended days.” It can be argued that public schools, such as Timilty Middle school in Roxbury, Massachusetts had extended days policy long before charter schools.
The age-old debate over Charter schools will continue regardless of question 2 being passed or denied on the ballot in Massachusetts. The voters will make their thoughts known on election day. Will Massachusetts voters pave the way for more charters schools to be open or will the cap on the number of schools stay in place? Only time will tell!
When looking at the successes of the Massachusetts charter schools, it appears they are working. A number of them have nationally recognized programs in place. I personally would vote yes to question 2.
* Opinions expressed in this article are my own. It no way reflects the thoughts and stance of Lumos learning.
